"Get to Work" Haggai 2: 4-9

I have not figured out my entry into this weeks' sermon on Haggai, but here is the background info I have.  I am reflecting on the role of buildings in our life or faith and also the fact that the people actually responded to what Haggai called them to do!

1. Haggai is another of the minor prophets for whom no lineage is given.

2. The name Haggai appears to be from the Hebrew word for “make a pilgrimage” or “observe a pilgrimage feast,” which would fit with the movement back to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple.

3. Haggai was presumably a contemporary of the minor prophet Zechariah. Haggai does not mention Zechariah, nor does Zechariah mention Haggai, but Ezra links the two together as working in Jerusalem at the same time with the same goal of rebuilding the Temple and Jerusalem.

4. Haggai has returned to Jerusalem as part of Persia's approach to dealing with its empire after the defeat of Babylon. Whereas Babylon brought the Judeans into exile, Persia approach was to send the exile back to rebuild their homes, which Persia hoped would provide stability and financial resources for the empire.

5. Before the exile, the Temple had become almost a royal chapel. Although it symbolized the hopes and reams of God's people, it was primarily the place where royalty and priests went. After the exile, the Temple took on a much greater role as the center of the social and economic activity of the Judeans.

6. One of the challenges faced with the returning exiles revolved round property issues. Did the returning exiles have property rights for the property they held before being exiled, or did the new landowners maintain their property rights? A form of collectives were established that allowed for shared ownership among families who were returning and those who had stayed.

7.  Haggai is divided into five units, or speeches from the prophet.

a. Haggai 1: 1-12 Three names are mentioned – Haggai, Zerubbabel the go governor of Judah; and Joshua, the high priest. The work will involve both the government and Temple officials.

b. Haggai 1: 12-15a The people obey the word of the Lord as delivered to them by the prophet Haggai

c. Haggai 1: 15b – 2:9 The people are exhorted t take courage and continue their work

d. Haggai 2: 10 – 19 Haggai reminds the people that the altar must be made clean. This sets the stage for “from this day on,” the future that God has in store for God's people.

e. Haggai 2: 20-23 A final reminder that God's plan is not just for Jerusalem, but for all the world. Darius may be king of Persia, but God is actually in control.

Resources consulted: The New Interpreter's Bible, Vol. VII.

Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and Resurrection of Israel, Donald E. Gowan.